Escalating Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Demand Support from India

Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have intensified as the Joint Awami Action Committee calls for mass demonstrations against the Pakistani government. Sardar Aman Khan, the committee leader, has appealed for support from India, highlighting severe shortages and a food blockade affecting locals. The protests, now ongoing for over a month, have resulted in casualties due to crackdowns by security forces. Thousands have gathered to demand basic rights and the release of detained leaders. The situation continues to escalate, with calls for reunification with India gaining momentum among protesters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 11:10 IST

Intensifying Demonstrations in PoK

Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have surged dramatically as a civil rights organization has called for widespread demonstrations against the Pakistani government. Sardar Aman Khan, the head of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), urged for enhanced relations with India during the 33rd day of protests. Speaking to a large crowd in Rawalakot, Khan made a heartfelt appeal to India for assistance.

Khan reached out to residents in Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, and Doda in India's Jammu region, claiming that they are suffering from a food blockade and critical shortages. Many in the crowd expressed their desire for reunification with India, chanting slogans that resonated throughout the gathering. "We need India's help. There is a shortage of rations... and we need your help," Khan stated. His appeal quickly gained traction on social media, going viral.

He also warned Pakistani authorities that if the repression of locals persists, the protesters might resort to "other paths." Additionally, Khan called on India to open the Line of Control (LoC) in light of the ongoing crackdown by Pakistani forces.

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Overview of the Protests:

Since the protests commenced last month, numerous locals have reportedly lost their lives due to a crackdown by Pakistani security forces. JAAC activists have claimed that one individual was killed and at least a dozen others injured when security forces opened fire on demonstrators. Thousands, including women, children, and the elderly, gathered at Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan Sports Stadium in Abbaspor, advocating for fundamental rights and the release of detained leaders, including JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir.

The group has accused security forces of using live ammunition and shelling to disperse what they described as peaceful protests, resulting in several critical injuries. The JAAC organized these demonstrations, demanding the release of their detained leaders and activists following a series of arrests in recent weeks. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faction in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been posting on X about the ongoing protests across the region, advocating for basic rights and showing solidarity with a sit-in in Rawalakot.